Vib-Ribbon (1999)

Developer: NanaOn-Sha
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Platforms: PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, PlayStation, PlayStation Portable
Genres: Music
Rating: 3.6 of 5, 17 player ratings

The 3D catalog: game boxes on wooden shelves, with the cat sitting at the counter next to its greeting.

The catalog in 3D

The same catalog has a room you can walk around in. The cat behind the counter is the AI Catbot, and they pick real games from it when you tell them what you feel like playing. Nothing is for sale, here or in there. Go in from here and this game is already out on the counter, with more like it waiting on the shelf next to it.

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How it feels

A stripped-back, wireframe world where music dictates everything and your reflexes must dance in perfect sync with the beat.

minimalistrhythm-drivenquirkystylishpreciselo-fiplayfultiming-focused

About

Vib-Ribbon is a rhythm game where the player must maneuver musically generated obstacles based on either the game's own soundtrack or a music CD of the player's choice. The player must avoid each obstacle by pressing the correct button at the right time - either L, R, X or down. In more complex tracks, obstacles are combined and the player must press the correct combination of buttons in order the avoid the obstacle. The game is loaded with six tracks to play by Japanese band Laugh and Peace. Additionally, the game's unique software means that the game is loaded into the console's RAM, allowing the player in insert their own music CDs, which generate a unique course for each track.

Screenshots

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More by NanaOn-Sha

This page is from Underplayed Gems, a catalog of older and overlooked games. Not quite it? You can browse by platform and genre, or take this one into the 3D catalog and ask the Catbot for something closer.